The C3 is being introduced in a B-segment, which is highly competitive in India but has the potential to expand and grow further. It is the first model in a family of three vehicles aimed at the international market, developed and produced in India and South America and which will be sold in those two regions over the next three years. In India, the C3 would be rolled out from the company’s Chennai-based manufacturing plant in the first half of 2022.

The Citroen C3 is based on the PSA Group’s Common Modular Platform (CMP), which already forms the basis for numerous Peugeot models on sale abroad, including a sub-four-metre SUV from sister-brand Jeep. The platform has been heavily localised for India with more than 90 percent of components being locally sourced. This platform is also ready for electrification.

Compact, at less than 4m long, New C3’s style is immediately apparent from Citroen’s distinctive shape, characterised by the high position of the bonnet and a front end structured to reinforce the impression of width. Eleven customisation variants are therefore available in India, including single-tone and two-tone (body in one colour and roof in another colour), and 13 in South America. A total of 78 accessories have been designed for the Citroen C3 to expand customisation options.

The C3 presents the face of Citroen with the signature front end now present on C4 and C5 X in the current range. The sides of the vehicle are muscular, set off by protective bubble panels sculpted into the bodywork to give the vehicle a more imposing presence. The large wheels (635mm), high ground clearance (180mm) and short overhangs to cope with angles in the road surface and avoid damaging the front bumper, black wheel arches and bars roofs that increase the height of the vehicle, are all elements inspired by SUVs. The higher ground clearance than on a traditional hatchback (extra 110mm) was designed to avoid scraping the underbody, which could cause damage on rough roads. It is also among the leaders in the segment at 180mm.

Citroen says the C3 will have the most amount of rear-seat space of any compact SUV on sale in the country with 653 mm of legroom. The C3’s dashboard is dominated by a freestanding 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as smartphone mirroring.  Powering the C3 will most likely be a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol motor. It will come mated to a 5-speed manual as a standard. The option of a DCT is likely to be offered in the future.

The Citroen C3 will rival the likes of  Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, and more. It is expected to start at INR 7 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).